Renaissance Palace was the same as before.
It was cold and silent, bleak and murderous.
Thud, thud, thud …
Thales followed behind Chief Palace Administrator Baron Quentin. Listening to the echoes of his own footsteps, he once again felt the impenetrable pressure.
It was a darkness that even the Everlasting Lamp could not illuminate.
Behind the duke, Mallos was as composed as ever. In fact, there were many people escorting Thales out of Mindis Hall, but Mallos was the only one who was allowed to accompany him into the palace.
This was not a good sign.
But unlike the last time, when he quietly received attention, everyone along the way, regardless of whether they were guards, servants, nobles or vassals, all bowed respectfully to him and addressed him as Your Highness. Their expressions were stern and meticulous.
He did not know why.
So, how much would he have to pay for the choice he made last night?
Thales' mind was in a mess.
The Chief Palace Administrator in front of him coughed softly. The prince instinctively puffed out his chest and tucked in his stomach, his demeanor perfect.
After a few turns, they did not go to the meeting hall from last time. Instead, they went to a higher floor.
The two sides of the corridor on this floor were filled with portraits of kings from different periods. It was an eye-opener for Thales.
The son of the King of Renaissance, John the First, who made the nine-starred crown, was in high spirits. Although his nickname was' Black Eye ', he had a pair of clear and moving blue eyes, which made him look quite attractive.
The 'King of Blades' Tormond the Second, who was skilled in martial arts and defeated Blade Edge Hill with a single word, had a sitting portrait, which concealed his short stature as recorded in history books (which he tried to alter many times but failed).
The most controversial orthodoxy was Reaper Tormond IV, who had risen to power through the palace coup. He had a cold expression and a sinister gaze. The artist had successfully used light and shadow to make his face appear sinister and strange, making the viewer uncomfortable.
Sumer the Third looked modest and steady. Coupled with his meticulously groomed stubble, he would definitely be a middle-aged handsome uncle sought after by thousands in another world. It was hard to believe that this was Constellation's' Jackal ', who was famous for his cunning and sinister character.
Bancroft II, the "King of Regret", passed away on the second day after he became an adult and also the day before his wedding. His expression was gloomy and he looked like he had not woken up yet, which matched his nickname very well.
The 'Surviving King' Alan the Fourth, who had been a playboy since he was young and had no interest in power struggles, got married eight times and became a worry-free king, looked terrified and helpless in the portrait of his coronation ceremony. This might have something to do with the fact that he was told to change his surname back to Jadestar, inherit the throne, and return the huge fortune he inherited from his seven widowed wives to the royal family when he was 55.
Queen Erica, the 'Conqueror of the North', was shrouded in a dignified and bloated dress that deformed her appearance. She was dignified, solemn, and imposing. She did not look like a woman at all, much less the extraordinary beauty that was described in unofficial histories as "the most beautiful woman in the world.
The 'Sand King' Kessel the Fourth looked into the distance, mighty and sunny. Unfortunately, this could not hide his mediocre cowardice that became a joke along with his nickname. After his expedition to the Great Desert suffered a crushing defeat, he was so frightened that he abandoned his army and buried himself in the sand at lightning speed to conceal his figure. In the end, he escaped the disaster and left behind the famous phrase 'invisibility is equal to invincibility'.
Obviously, the three giant portraits in Mindis Hall, which were combined with the historical background, left a deeper impression. However, the portraits here also had their own characteristics. They vividly reflected the techniques and habits of different painters, as well as the artistic styles of different periods.
But …
Thales looked at them quietly and suddenly thought of something strange.
Whether it was these court portraits or the legendary Three Kings in Mindis Hall, all the people in the paintings looked …
Not sincere.
Finally, they stopped in front of a tightly guarded stone room. The chief commander of the Royal Guards, Lord Adrian, appeared before them. He was gentle but dignified.
"Baron Quentin." Adrian first greeted the Chief of Palace Steward, who was leading the group.
"Still well?"
The Chief of Palace Steward waved his hand, looking as if he did not care.
"Well, well. Now, please excuse me, I have to pay Master Damon's tailoring fees."
Baron Quentin's attitude was sloppy, and there was a hint of resentment in his words.
"I also have to keep an eye on the procurement of royal wine glasses. You know, glass, wine, glasses! It's a huge expense, I can't be sloppy! "
Glass wine glasses.
Thales stood behind him, his expression slightly frozen.
Captain Adrian only smiled with his eyes narrowed.
In the end, Thales sighed and apologized sincerely.
"Your Grace, I am very sorry."
Baron Quentin turned around and glared at him.
"Oh, Your Highness, you better be!"
The Chief of Palace Steward did not stand on ceremony. He raised his voice, beaming with joy, and spoke sternly.
"For the sake of your ancestors, do you think that the royal family's money falls from the sky? It's the people's blood and sweat, you can't be generous!"
Baron Quentin glared at him one last time and stormed off.
Thales was left behind, his chest hunched and his neck hunched, his face full of fear.
"Please understand, Baron Quentin has been in charge of the palace affairs for thirty years. He is dependable, meticulous, but also stubborn," Adrian explained with a smile.
"In the past, when he showed his might, even King Aydi had to give him some leeway."
Thales forced himself to put on an understanding smile.
"Your Highness, Lord Mallos." Only then did Adrian formally greet the two of them.
"Welcome to the Imperial Conference Room."
The guard captain turned around and raised his hand, showing a stone door that was as tall as two people to Thales.
"Also known as' Ballard Room '."
Under the faint light from the narrow stone window in the distance and the illumination from the two Everlasting Lamps, there were at least ten Royal Guards guarding both sides of the gray stone door. All of them looked stern and serious.
"Ballard?"
Thales narrowed his eyes and sized up this special stone door. He recalled the royal family pedigree that he had been cramming for the past few days.
"You mean the King of Constellation in the third century of the Calendar of Eradication, 'Believer' Ballard the First?"
Adrian smiled.
"Yes.
"Four hundred years ago, 'Great Spirit' Kahn led the 'Violent Soldiers' who committed all sorts of crimes to invade the kingdom. Violent waves swept through the kingdom until they reached Eternal Star City. Coincidentally, King Ballard was on the throne."
The guard captain looked back at the stone door and spoke with emotion.
Thales pondered for a while.
"I've heard this story in the north. Archduke Kahn Trentida of Eckstedt and his' Great Spirit Crusade '. The Northland nobles are proud of it to this day.
"So, Ballard Room. Was he born here, or did he succeed to the throne here?"
Captain Adrian snorted and shook his head.
"When the country was in ruins, Ballard the First summoned courtiers into the palace and gathered them in one room. He made an exception and appointed them regardless of their origins. They were given a long table to discuss how to defend the kingdom."
Adrian was a little emotional.
"That was the first Imperial Conference in the history of the kingdom. Since then, it has been held regularly to deal with state affairs. It gradually became a system and has been passed down for four hundred years.
"Hence the Imperial Conference, Ballard Room."
Thales pondered and did not say anything.
The guard captain suddenly realized that he had lost his composure. He laughed self-deprecatingly and stepped aside.
"The Imperial Conference between His Majesty and the other lords is in progress. Your Highness, please come in."
Thales frowned.
"Imperial Conference? Now?
"Maybe I should wait until —"
But Lord Adrian interrupted him.
"His Majesty has summoned you, Your Highness, and you are the Duke of Star Lake of the kingdom." The guard captain's tone was humble and polite, but it had a different kind of power.
"The courtier is right. Please pay attention to your manners."
Adrian said softly,
"There is no need to be overly concerned about 'Northland'."
Thales raised his eyebrows.
Once Adrian finished speaking, he walked towards his subordinate guards who were guarding the door.
"Open the door, Marico. Remember to be gentle."
Thales took the opportunity to straighten his clothes. He did not forget to turn his head and ask Mallos behind him without batting an eyelid.
"Do you have any suggestions?"
For some reason, Mallos, who stood in front of Ballard Room, was expressionless.
"Yes."
His reply was as calm as an ancient well.
"Don't ask me."
Thales turned around resentfully.
'Alright.
As expected of his favorite personal guard captain.
'This suggestion is honest and on point. It's too useful.'
Thales thought sarcastically.
But when he thought of the portraits of the kings he had seen along the way, he realized that he had no impression of Ballard the First.
He had either missed it or placed it in an inconspicuous corner.
"Eleanor."
As the stone door slowly opened, Thales' lips did not move as he spoke quietly.
Behind him, Mallos frowned and quietly took a step forward.
"What?"
Thales looked at the stone door that was opening wider and wider. He looked at the darkness that seeped out from inside and snorted.
"Four hundred years ago, when King Ballard inherited his elder brother's position, he was only seventeen years old. Faced with a crisis, he found it difficult to command his vassals, and his authority was unshakable."
The prince narrowed his eyes.
"At that time, the person who had the authority to make an exception and convene the Imperial Conference to decide on a strategy to resist the 'Great Spirit Frenzy' was a woman."
Thales turned around and cracked a smile at Mallos.
"Yes.
"Empress Dowager Iron Spike, Eleanor."
Mallos frowned.
"And this place should actually be called 'Eleanor Room'."
In the next second, Thales turned around and walked forward. Under the respectful gazes of the guards on both sides, he passed through the stone door and disappeared into the darkness.
His expression was calm.
His footsteps were calm.
With a soft sound, the stone door closed, completely concealing the Duke of Star Lake's figure.
Mallos looked at the dark stone door and pursed his lips. His voice was almost inaudible.
"Is that so?"
Outside the stone door, Adrian walked towards Mallos and patted his shoulder.
The watchman nodded.
"Is there anything I need to worry about last night?
"For example, how did that assassin sneak into the king's banquet with a weapon?"
Adrian smiled.
"No."
Mallos frowned slightly.
But before he could think deeply, the guard captain grabbed his shoulder and half-dragged and half-pushed him out of Ballard Room.
"So, how is Mindis Hall, Tormond?"
The guard captain asked this nephew whom he watched grow up amiably, as if he was talking about family matters.
"Compared to this place?"
Mallos became indifferent again.
"It's pretty good. It's quite bright."
Adrian nodded.
"Not bad." The guard captain's eyes lit up.
"Only bright?"
"It's still a short time," Mallos' tone was normal.
"I'll tell you when I stay longer."
Adrian smiled. He let go of Mallos.
"When are you going to arrange a day off for yourself?"
The rather old captain pressed his waist, "You know, my wife recently got to know a few good unmarried girls, she shouldn't mind …"
But Mallos suddenly interrupted him.
"Captain."
He did not say anything. His face was expressionless.
Adrian stared at him for a long time before he nodded.
"His Highness will not come out so soon," the guard captain said casually.
"As usual, go to the duty room and wait."
Mallos stopped in his tracks.
Lord Adrian smiled at him.
"You know, paperwork."
Mallos was silent for a second.
"Of course." The watchman curled up the corners of his mouth and smiled back.
"Paperwork."
— —
Thales walked into the Imperial Conference Room and found that it was actually smaller than he imagined (after all, there was the Hall of Stars and the meeting hall, including the Jadestar family tomb chamber). The domed ceiling was low, and the walls were narrow. At a glance, it inherited the coldness and darkness unique to Renaissance Palace.
'It really is a small dark room.'
The prince silently mocked.
Under the illumination of the Everlasting Lamp, there was a long table with many people sitting at the end of his line of sight. He could faintly hear human voices.
Thales took a deep breath, stopped thinking about the unhappy future, and slowly walked forward.
As he approached, the voices around the long table became softer. Most people turned around and looked at the newcomer to the Imperial Conference.
Thales noticed that the people sitting at the long table were not ordinary people.
The potbellied Prime Minister of the kingdom, the Guardian Duke of the Eastern Sea, Bob Cullen, was still smiling, as if everything was as good as before.
The Foreign Affairs Minister cum teacher he was familiar with, the 'Cunning Fox' Gilbert, was worried and hesitant to speak.
There was also the royal family's military advisor, the experienced Solder Ryder, nicknamed 'Big Soldier', as well as the Chief of Finance of the kingdom, the 'Moneybag' Kirkirk Mann, who was said to be able to 'take money out of his pants'.
The 'Sharp-faced' Viscount Kenney, who had once visited the prince in Eckstedt and had just been promoted to Minister of Trade at the beginning of the year, was also present, smiling amiably at him. The one dozing off was the Minister of Agriculture and Husbandry, the 'Miser' Lord Krapen; and the special advisor of faith who almost became Thales' theology teacher, the young and promising Deputy Bishop of the Sunset Church's Central Diocese, Stylia Nydus.
Thales also noticed that there was another person standing at the end of the long table, a distance away from the nobles. It was a fierce-looking man with a face full of scars. He stared at Thales with a pair of sharp eyes, as if he harbored malicious intentions.
The prince was puzzled. 'Who is that? Why is he the only one standing? '
And Kessel the Fifth, the master who could not be ignored, sat at the head of the long table. His posture was casual as he enjoyed the light from the stone window behind him. His face could not be seen clearly against the light, leaving only a dark silhouette that made people feel depressed.
With some apprehension, Thales gulped and stepped forward respectfully.
"Father."
He bowed appropriately.
"Good day, my lords."
Gilbert was the first to stand up and respectfully returned the greeting.
"Good day, Duke Thales."
The nobles at the long table moved and stood up to greet the Foreign Affairs Minister.
But the king's voice immediately rang out, interrupting this perhaps meaningful greeting.
"Find yourself a chair."
The ministers fell silent.
They first looked at Thales, then at the king. In the end, they did not complete their greeting and returned to their seats one after another.
Gilbert considerately moved to the seat next to him and took the initiative to make room for Thales.
Thales nodded gratefully and sat down. He nodded at Deputy Bishop Stylia Nydus, who was sitting on the other side, and thought that it was alright.
At least they had reserved a seat for themselves.
At least they did not denounce him directly.
At least they did not toss him a sword and ask him to "slit your own throat".
At the head of the long table, the man with his back against the light changed his supporting arm and knocked on the long table.
He said coldly, "Continue, Solder."
These words were like a sudden drop of frost. The solemn atmosphere that had been slightly thawed by the prince's arrival froze again.
On the other side, Military Advisor Solder Ryder cleared his throat and stood up. The Imperial Conference resumed.
"In any case, the Alliance of Freedom's decision to secretly withdraw their main elite forces from Fort Liberté and set up an ambush in the wilderness was extremely bold," Solder, who was dressed in military attire, knocked on the long table. A huge map was spread out on the table with black and white chess pieces on it.
"Keep in mind that if Fort Liberté falls due to an empty interior, the war will be over."
Solder's expression was solemn. He reached for the 'Fort Liberté' castle sign, pulled out a knight chess piece from the three or four black chess pieces inside, and threw it out of the map.
Thales only then noticed that the subject of this Imperial Conference was not him, at least not the assassination last night.
But …
"Lord Solder has just returned from Western Desert with the regular army," Gilbert whispered in the prince's ear.
"We can get first-hand intelligence on the war in Eckstedt earlier."
'The war in Eckstedt.'
The prince's heart tightened — this was a feeling he had not felt before when he walked into Ballard Room alone.
Thales frowned and identified the contents of the map on the long table: Fort Liberté was on one side, the City of Faraway Prayers on the other, separated by countless mountains, rivers, villages, and castles.
At this moment, more than a dozen white chess pieces were spread out from the City of Faraway Prayers and occupied most of the key points on the map.
They were powerful and stood in opposition to Fort Liberté, which only had two or three black chess pieces left and appeared isolated and helpless.
Just like a trapped rat in a cage.
And among them — Thales stared at the white chess pieces — were his friends.
"But their previous consecutive victories have encouraged the Northlanders' arrogance and arrogance.
"They thought that the opponent would take advantage of the terrain and fortifications to defend the city with all their might, just as they did twenty years ago. So they left only scattered troops to maintain the rear, while the main elite force advanced straight in and used their superior military strength to attack the most critical and most difficult Fort Liberté."
Solder's tone was solemn. He moved the chess pieces and pushed the white chess pieces forward until they surrounded the black side of Fort Liberté on three sides, leaving only one suspicious gap.
Like a trap left behind by a rat trap.
"They didn't even spend much effort to confirm if there was anything fishy about the easily conquered area behind them, or if the real main force was hidden among the scattered enemies who fled along the way."
Compared to Eckstedt's absolute advantage on the map, the Chief of Military Staff stroked the few chess pieces behind the white side, appearing solemn and serious.
The king did not make a sound.
Gilbert sighed and interjected.
"After all, the Eckstedtians' prowess in foot combat and their strength in charging into battle can be said to be unparalleled in the world.
"Without a strong city and armored cavalry to rely on, who would dare to face them head-on in the wilderness?"
Thales recalled the Black Sand Region soldiers who risked their lives under Broken Dragon Fortress all those years ago.
Solder nodded, but scoffed.
"That was the first mistake they made."
His words were stern and tugged at everyone's heartstrings.
Solder looked up.
"News from the Secret Intelligence Department?"
Under everyone's gaze, the man with a scar on his face who had been standing silently at the other end of the long table finally stepped forward.
Thales realized that he was a spy from the Kingdom's Secret Intelligence Department.
"According to the information from various sources at the frontline," the man with a scar on his face took out a stack of paper in front of the many nobles.
He spoke fluently and without the slightest hint of nervousness, "While the Northlanders were besieging the city and the battle was intense, the Alliance of Freedom's troops, which had secretly withdrawn and were lying in ambush, suddenly launched a bold attack on their retreat."
His voice was cold.
"Within a week, the Eckstedtian supply points along the Good Flow River were badly battered, and their transportation efficiency plummeted."
Following his words, Solder Ryder calmly moved the Black Knight outside the map back to the battlefield, and placed it firmly behind the white side's battle line.
"Maybe I'm getting old and I can't remember clearly …"
Prime Minister Cullen adjusted the position of his stomach and looked charmingly naive. He asked in puzzlement, "That's right.
He said in puzzlement, "But this strategy sounds a little familiar."
As soon as he said this, all the nobles present were visibly moved.
Solder nodded but did not answer directly. Instead, he motioned for the Secret Intelligence Department to continue.
The man with a scar on his face coughed and switched to another piece of paper.
"Their supplies cannot be stabilized. In just one week, the Northlanders' Heavy Swordsmen and Heavy Armored Axemen, who they are so proud of when they attack the city, are affected. There were a few times when they were about to succeed in attacking the city, but all their efforts were in vain."
"Their cavalry was strong, but they were unable to find enough rations and supplies in the fortified Alliance of Freedom. They could only station in place and wait for the outcome of the siege."
There was a moment of silence around the long table. The king did not move.
Gilbert was the first to speak, breaking the silence.
"So, Eckstedt was defeated just like that? That simple? "
"That's impossible, right?"
Solder Ryder scoffed. He stared at the numerous white chess pieces on the map with a fearful expression.
"Of course not."
The military advisor looked at the Secret Intelligence Department.
The man with a scar on his face was unhurried as he continued.
"According to our intelligence, in the first few weeks after the attack on the supply chain, Eckstedt still retained more than ninety percent of its absolute combat power, enough to complete several decisive field battles or sieges. It was far from what the Alliance of Freedom could withstand."
But his tone changed.
"But at this time, Eckstedt's commanders had divergent views on their next move.
"Divergent views …"
Gilbert muttered to himself.
'Divergent views.'
Thales recalled the battle report that Gilbert had told him last night and his heart sank.
Solder Ryder was still solemn. He nodded.
"The City of Faraway Prayers strongly advocated pressing forward with the entire army and deciding victory with a combined attack.
"Defense City wanted to regroup and slowly invade."
At this point, Solder's expression slowly turned solemn.
"Dragon Clouds City's military leader, the one-armed Karkogel, advocated sealing off the main routes, surrounding them but not attacking. At the same time, he mobilized a small number of men to form a small but elite, but equally mobile task force. Using an eye for an eye, they would track down and annihilate the Alliance of Freedom's only remaining trump card in the wild.
"Once they succeed, they just have to throw the enemy's commander's head into Fort Liberté, and the city will fall without being attacked."
Hearing the familiar name, Thales recalled the silent one-armed count who made the final decision on the day of the council hearing.
But the others didn't think so.
"Ah, Karkogel, that one-armed bastard, I remember him."
The Minister of Agriculture of the kingdom who had been dozing off, Lord Krapen, nicknamed 'Miser', seemed to wake up with a start.
"Eighteen years ago, it was under his command that the Northland barbarians advanced rapidly, besieged the enemy and attacked the reinforcements. Finally, they captured Cold Castle and caused the fall of the Northern Territory.
"As expected, his strategy is the most vicious."
Prime Minister Cullen scratched his head.
"So, which of the three paths is better?"
Everyone was silent for a moment.
"I think it should be a slow and steady approach," the Minister of Trade, Viscount Kenney, was in the prime of his life, but his choice was different.
"The biggest taboo is to fight the weak with the strong and seek instant benefits. Besides, the Alliance of Freedom is already a cornered beast, there's no point in taking risks."
But the elderly Chief of Finance, Kirkirk Mann, shook his head disapprovingly.
"No, no, no. The greatest advantage of the Northlanders is that no one can withstand a thunderous strike.
"Besides, the burden and expenses of deploying troops outside … Believe me, the sooner the war ends, the better. It's most beneficial to get it over with once and for all."
But compared to them, Thales noticed that:
Gilbert furrowed his brows and did not say a word.
At that moment, the king looked up. His dark features revealed a sharp gaze.
"Solder, what's your opinion?"
Everyone looked at the military advisor in unison.
Solder did not answer immediately. As solemn as ever, he traced his finger from one end of the map to the other, as though he was playing a game of chess with someone on the battlefield.
"When it comes to war, the Northlanders are never vague."
Solder gazed at the white chess pieces all over the map, the fear in his eyes deepened.
"Besides, they have the upper hand in every aspect.
"I think, from the moment they were attacked from the rear, they have already seen through the Alliance of Freedom's plan. They know that the enemy is taking the risk of dispersing their forces, and they know that the enemy is full of openings."
"Thud!"
The 'soldier' slammed his fist on the table.
With a wave of his hand, he first pushed a large number of white chess pieces to Fort Liberté, and then pushed all the black chess pieces in the fort.
"Disregarding casualties and attacking with all their might. The Alliance of Freedom will not be able to withstand it."
Solder then spread the white chess pieces evenly across every key juncture on the map, until the black knight at the rear had nowhere to go and finally collapsed.
"Consolidate the defensive zone and steadily occupy it. The Alliance of Freedom will not be able to hold on."
Finally, the military advisor clenched his fist lightly and slowly restored the state of the battle. He then picked out two knights from the white chess pieces, placed them together with the black knight, and pushed the latter down.
"Scheming to attack the enemy's mind and using surprise tactics. The Alliance of Freedom will not be able to withstand it."
Solder took a deep breath and looked up at everyone present. His gaze paused for a moment when it swept past Thales.
"Whether it's a forceful attack, a slow map, or a surprise attack, all three are good strategies."
Thales nodded slowly. He glanced at Viscount Kenney and Kirkirk Mann out of the corner of his eye and saw that they were nodding in satisfaction.
'Hmm, that's not to offend anyone.'
But the military advisor's tone immediately changed.
"But when the three excellent options are put together …"
Solder's tone changed and became furious.
He nodded at the scar-faced man from the Kingdom's Secret Intelligence Department.
The latter cleared his throat.
"Our intelligence is limited. We don't know the specific decision in the Eckstedt military camp.
"But after besieging the city for a long time, the Northlanders, who could not wait any longer, finally chose — to divide their forces into three groups and attack from multiple directions."
Most of the people in the Imperial Conference were taken aback by these words.
Even Thales could not help but frown.
Gilbert was the only one among the crowd who sighed.
"Divide their forces? Or three? "
Viscount Kenney was puzzled and clearly could not understand.
"The Alliance of Freedom is small and weak, so it's understandable that they would take the risk and divide their forces. But the Northlanders clearly have a large army and have the upper hand … Are they crazy?"
Amidst all the questions, Solder Ryder snorted angrily.
"The commanders' explanation to me is: First, it's to relieve the logistical pressure brought about by the concentration of the army in one place, and to rationally distribute supplies for the general attack. Second, it's to protect the fearful rear supply line. Third, it's to pursue the Ghost Troop that has circled around to attack from the rear. Finally, it's to expand and consolidate the occupied area to facilitate the local collection of rations."
Thales was stunned.
'Alright.
Every reason is extremely legitimate, well-founded, and even well-considered and irrefutable.
It includes the forceful attack, a slow map, and a surprise attack mentioned earlier.
'But …'
Solder snorted coldly.
"Even a child knows that there's only one choice in a multiple-choice question." He stared at the white chess pieces on the map, stretched out his hand with difficulty, and divided them into three groups.
"As an adult, you actually want all of them?"
At this moment, the military advisor was conflicted. On the one hand, he was contemptuous and disdainful, but on the other hand, his words were filled with heartache for his peers.
"You're so stupid.
"Your death is not to be regretted."
Amidst the shocked and bewildered crowd, Thales looked at one of the three groups of white chess pieces with mixed feelings.
Here, no one had stayed in the North for as long as he had and had such close contact with the Northlanders.
Divergence — he vaguely knew the answer behind it.
But he was even more apprehensive and fearful.
'Is that so?'
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
